There is a strongly believed opinion that the most important day of the school year is the first day of school. And for many people, it is. The first day is the day you initiate your community, establish your rules/agreements, set the expectations for students, etc.

For many kids, this might be the most important day. It sets their curious minds at ease, helps them to learn their classmate’s names, and their new teacher’s expectations. For me, personally and professionally, the most important day of school is the last day. You know, the day that usually turns in to official class-party day, and/or clean the classroom day. But really, so much more happens. It is on my drive into school in the morning that the process begins for me.

Reflection. We’re practically beaten to death by that word as aspiring teachers- and then again professionally when we begin our practice. Reflection helps to solidify students’ knowledge! It helps professionals to grow! Reflection should be part of your everyday! Of your students’ everyday! And, as annoying as it can be sometimes, the others who preach it, are right. Reflection is everything.

On the last day of school I think to myself, how did I do? What students did I reach? What students did I fail? Who did I help to climb up one more rung on the ladder? Was I patient? Was I kind? Did I connect deep enough with parents? And whether it’s “class party day” or “clean the classroom day” I always spend some time watching my class as they work or play, noticing their interactions with one another, with our classroom. I study their mannerisms and wonder- Did they get that from me? Did I foster that? Inevitably, at some point, I wonder, will they bring all of these great qualities to their 4th grade year? Will they continue to look out for one another, even if they’re in different classes?

Although many of my questions go unanswered, some become quite clear as the official countdown to summer begins.
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My connected kids are trembling
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The ones I failed to reach are grinning from ear to ear
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The friends whose relationship I fostered are clinging to each other tightly
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The kid I turned into a reader is looking sadly at the floor
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The one who is moving away begins to cry
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The girl who clings to me watches me with watery eyes
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The antsy boy whose hardened heart I couldn’t soften, pushes his way towards the door
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The shy boy who made astronomical social and academic gains, shifts uncomfortably
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My passionate boy is turning red from a mixture of anxiety and excitement and fear and happiness and sadness
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The ones I know I reached, hug me goodbye.
The ones I know I failed, run out the door without making eye contact.
The others, who walk quietly and sadly out the door, leave me wondering. Are they sad because it’s over? Are they sad because I failed them?
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I walk out the door, waving at the buses, and turning over in my mind all of the wonderful things I did this year for my kids, and all of the things I must do to make next year even better.

�Ŷ”6